Coming Back

It has been a few years since I've blogged. Actually, I've never seriously blogged. But now, I'm going to make a serious effort to try.

In a few days Pete, my senior colleague, mentor and friend, will leave for England and Mexico for a well earned 3 month sabattical (I'm not sure I am spelling that word correctly)

I am accustomed to working in a team, but now I will now be serving this lovable, wonderful, generous, creative and quirky congregation as a solo pastor.

People ask me if I am scared. My answer is "No". I usually follow that by thinking inside my head... "what have you heard?"

I feel good about the expectations I have set with the lay leaders, members and friends. And I feel confident in my leadership, both administratively and spiritually. And I trust those I serve.

On the other hand, I have been known for my workaholic tendancies. Like many others who work in service professions, my biggest worry is that I'm working too hard and not working hard enough... at the same time.

So, I'm going to attempt to record the thoughts, experiences and feelings in a blog over the next three months. Partly so that I can remember what we've learned and what we have struggled as a faith community, and partly as a diary of my own growth. I won't use names or compromise any pastoral confidences, this is a public space.

And I do respectfully ask that if you have a comment, you are prayerful about leaving it. People I care about may be reading your words.